New campaign gives Chinatown London alfresco makeover

Chinatown London is being transformed into an alfresco dining destination as part of the #LoveChinatown campaign to support tenants, celebrate diversity and safely welcome people back to Chinatown.

Landowner Shaftesbury has announced that from this week, restaurant operators will be able to benefit from additional seating in Newport Place, creating an extra 150 covers, in addition to the alfresco dining many restaurants are providing along the pedestrianised streets.

In partnership with the London Chinatown Chinese Association (LCCA), Chinatown London's trademark red lanterns will also be replaced with rows of multi-coloured lanterns. Coinciding with the hanging of the lanterns, a digital screen will pop-up at 13 Newport Place, where visitors can share messages of goodwill to loved ones or their favourite Chinatown London restaurant.

Karen Baines of Shaftesbury said that the campaign would help to support restaurants by inspiring people to visit safely and to celebrate the diversity of what Chinatown had to offer.

Chu Ting Tang, chairman of the LCCA, added: "We are delighted to see the community of Chinatown come together. As the thousands of red lanterns transform to multi-coloured lanterns, guiding people through the streets of this special place, we welcome Londoners back to Chinatown to support the local community and businesses."

Later in August, participating restaurants will also be offering #LoveChinatown "Take-Put" containers – biodegradable boxes for selected dishes which fold out into a makeshift plate to allow diners to eat outside.

To encourage social distancing, floor markings have been installed in both Mandarin and English, as well as hand sanitisation points throughout the area.